GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Vol 2 - Chapter 34: Lockdown

"And that smile," Mira added, sighing.

"Hey." Rohen's voice cut through their daze. "They're going to be Vel's rivals. Who are you two rooting for?"

Both girls blinked, yanked back to reality. They separated quickly, smoothing their clothes and fixing their hair with exaggerated casualness.

"What's so special about a prince," Rohen muttered under his breath. "He's just human like anyone else."

Vel's attention shifted back to the arena floor. The two teams had moved to the center, forming a line. They bowed to each other—a formality that felt stiff, mechanical. Team Kasano's movements were rigid, while Team Atherwind carried themselves with ease, as if this were just another afternoon.

Vel studied the weapon more closely. Kein's scabbard itself wrapped in what looked like silk brocade, deep blue with gold threading. The blade peeked slightly above the guard, and it seemed to emit its own light. Whether that came from the afternoon sun or enchantment was difficult to tell with Kein's light attunement. It reminded Vel of Landre's church robes—that same radiant quality that blurred the line between natural and magical illumination.

Lysithea's hand-fan unfolded with a quick flick of her wrist. An ornate tail of gold chains dangled from its base, and Vel spotted a gem embedded near the pivot—probably a focusing crystal worked directly into the framework.

But it was Eldrin's harp that held Vel's focus completely.

The prince carried something Vel hadn't seen during their earlier glimpses of him in the spectator seats. A small harp, compact enough to cradle with one arm. The instrument's frame gleamed with silver and gold inlay, and despite its delicate appearance, something about its construction suggested it was built for more than music.

"Is he going to serenade them to sleep?" Tomas asked, though his tone carried curiosity rather than mockery.

"It's a focus," Vel said. "Like your wand."

"Really?" Celia squinted toward the arena.

"You can't see it from here." Vel gestured vaguely. The details were clear to him through his far sight spell, but the others wouldn't make out the finer points. "The frame's decorated with gems and rune carvings. Doesn't take much to figure out what they're for."

"Is this even fair?" Rohen muttered, more to himself than anyone else.

The phrase "pay-to-win" surfaced in Vel's mind—a concept from his past life that felt oddly appropriate here, where noble wealth bought advantages no amount of skill could match.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" Janos's voice cut through Vel's thoughts. "Prepare yourselves for what promises to be a SPECTACULAR display of talent and power!"

The countdown began. Three... two... one...

The bell rang, its clear tone echoing across the arena.

Kein's sword immediately erupted with brilliant white light, illuminating the sand around him like midday sun. Prince Eldrin remained perfectly still, his posture elegant as he held the harp at the ready. Beside them, Lysithea had already begun a complex incantation, her fan moving in intricate patterns, weaving through the air like a painter's brush.

The opposing team, however, seemed momentarily frozen. It took them several seconds to spring into action—a deadly delay in a tournament match.

Kasano dropped into a low stance, one hand resting on his katana's hilt. The blade remained sheathed at his side.